In our profile series, Tell Us In 10, we ask cast members and creatives of top London shows to tell us all about themselves in just 10 questions.
This week, we’re talking to Thomas Aldridge who plays Ron in the iconic two-part production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Palace Theatre. Thomas is no stranger to the West End stage having performed in Made In Dagenham (Adelphi Theatre), A Midsummer Nights Dream, Taming Of The Shrew and Babe (Regent’s Park Open-Air Theatre), just to name a few.
Today, Thomas plays Harry’s funny but super loyal best friend, Ron in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, the eighth story in the Harry Potter series and the first official Harry Potter story to be presented on stage.
Grab a cuppa (or some butterbeer!) and settle down as we find out more about Thomas, his West End idols and what advice he’d give to his younger self…
1. My route into theatre was…
My route into theatre was via countless drama clubs & stage schools in my local area of East London. Most importantly, ‘Youngstars’ run by the BRILLIANT Douglas Yolland, Tamsin Fisher, Vikki Bussel and Gary Young all of whom helped me with my auditions to get into full time Drama School. There were a few of us there that have all done alright like Russell Tovey, Sarah Pascoe, Andy Day, Jenny Fitzpatrick and loads more. I ended up training for 3 years at Mountview and from there it’s been a long journey of wonderful highs and a few lows.
2. My West End idol is…
My West End idols are Steve Balsamo & Zubin Varla. And my wife Helen Owen who’s one of the most talented people I’ve ever shared a stage with.
Paul Ready and Zubin Varla in Measure For Measure at the Young Vic. Photo by Keith Pattison
3. My colleagues would describe me as…
My colleagues would describe me as a Wally.
4. My favourite show present or past (that isn’t one I star in/work on) is…
Jesus Christ Superstar.
Michelle Gayle (Hermione Granger), Jamie Ballard (Harry Potter) and Thomas Aldridge (Ron Weasley) in the West End Production of Harry Potter And The Cursed Child. Photo by Manuel Harlan
5. The career moment I’m most proud of is…
The career moment I’m most proud of is Made in Dagenham. That show should still be running in my opinion!
6. The hardest part about my job/role is…
The hardest part about my job/role is working weekends.
Michelle Gayle (Hermione Granger), Thomas Aldridge (Ron Weasley) and Jamie Ballard (Harry Potter) in the West End Production of Harry Potter And The Cursed Child. Photo by Manuel Harlan
7. If I wasn’t an actor I would be…
I would be West Ham’s finest ever left back.
8. Something people don’t know about me is…
Everyone knows everything about me. I’m far too open!
Thomas Aldridge (Ron Weasley), Susie Trayling (Ginny Potter), James Howard (Draco Malfoy), Michelle Gayle (Hermione Granger) and Jamie Ballard (Harry Potter) in the West End Production of Harry Potter And The Cursed Child. Photo by Johan Persson
9. The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…
“Run your own race, but as quick as you can”.
10. The one thing I wish I could tell my younger self is…
“You won’t be working in a scare attraction forever”.
If Thomas’ interview has got you feeling inspired to see the epic production, check out the trailer below and grab your tickets to see this brilliant production that is sure to blow your family away!